In looking at the Braves' stats from this spring, it occurred to me that Chipper Jones, at this stage in his career, might be better suited for the #2 spot in the order. He's more patient than Marcus Giles, which would give Furcal more chances to steal second. Chipper is also a switch-hitter, which would allow him to swing for the right side easily against right-handed pitchers when Furcal is on second.
In terms of power, Chipper's isolated power number (.213) was almost the same as Giles' (.211) in 2003, the last year that both of them were healthy. To the extent that spring stats matter, Chipper has fewer extra base hits in more at-bats this spring (3 xbhs in 43 ABs vs. 4 xbhs in 33 ABs). Giles is also entering the stage of his career when his power should go up, whereas Chipper is on the opposite end of his curve.
Two negatives to batting Giles third:
1. Giles is faster than Chipper, so it's better to have him on base in front of Larry Wayne rather than behind him.
2. If the Braves entertain hopes of re-signing Giles when he becomes a free agent after the 2006 season, then driving up his RBI totals is not the way to do so.
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